Chromebook Pixel by Google

Google's first foray in the laptop space is definitely high end with the expensively priced Chromebook Pixel. Starting at $1,299 for the wi-fi model and ramping up to $1,449 for the long-term evolution (LTE) version, the Pixel is priced to make a statement. It's not sure exactly what that statement might be to this writer.

Hardware specs

CPU: Intel Core i5, 1.8 GHz

Display: 12.85 inches, 2560x1700, 239ppi; 400 nit; touchscreen

Memory/storage: 4GB memory; 32GB storage (64GB LTE model)

Ports: 2x USB 2.0; miniDisplay port; 2-in-1 SD/MMC card reader; audio

Connectivity: wi-fi (a/b/g/n) dual band; Bluetooth 3.0

Battery: 59Wh, up to 5 hours

Dimensions: 297.7x224.6x16.2mm (11.72x8.84x0.63 inches)

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

Unboxing the Pixel

The Pixel ships in a simple, heavy white box with a magnetic closure.

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

Opening the Pixel

The box contains the Pixel, two-piece power cord, and a simple brochure pointing out 10 things you need to know about the Pixel.

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

Elegant construction

The Pixel is nicely constructed with a metal casing. The engineering and design is top quality and every seam is perfectly joined.

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

Power

The Pixel ships with a power adapter that can be used along or with an extension cord (included) to reach the power outlet.

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

SD card storage

The right side of the Pixel reveals the SD/MMC card slot next to the SIM card slot. The latter is not used in the wi-fi model currently shipping. The LTE model should be available in April, according to Google.

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

Ports

The left side of the Pixel has a bevy of ports. From left to right: Power; mini HDMI; 2x USB 2.0; audio in/out.

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

Charge indicator

The power adapter plugs in to the left rear of the Pixel for charging. It has a colored LED ring around the plug that indicates the current charge of the battery. It glows green when fully charged as in this photo.

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

Keyboard and trackpad

The chiclet keyboard is good for fast typing and includes a top row of special control keys for Chrome OS, common to chromebooks.

The glass trackpad is buttonless and a joy to use.

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

Thin profile

The Pixel is thin as demonstrated in this photo. The high-resolution display (2560x1700) has a density of 239ppi and is bright and vivid (400 nit).

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

Keyboard side view

The large trackpad is demonstrated in this side view closeup of the keyboard.

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

Seamless bottom

The bottom of the Pixel is seamless and offers no access to the innards. The sealed battery offers 5 hours on a charge, according to Google.

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

One-finger opening

The front of the Pixel has a simple indentation that provides easy access to open the lid. The special hinge allows opening the lid with one finger, yet keeps the laptop securely closed.

Published: February 22, 2013 -- 18:16 GMT (10:16 PST)

Photo by: James Kendrick/ZDNet

Caption by: James Kendrick

Lid hinge

The special hinge mentioned in the previous slide is shown in this photo.